Entrepreneurs Spark and Exotopic launch UK Space Agency Accelerator

The UK Space Agency has invested just under £1.5m in its business support programme, the UK Space Agency Accelerator. This program is managed and delivered by Entrepreneurial Spark and Exotopic, appointed following a competitive bidding process. Following a successful pilot in 2021, this two-year rolling program will provide 180 entrepreneurial ideas with specialist coaching, networking opportunities, and business support to boost their businesses and achieve interstellar Expected to be ready to invest in ideas.

Like-minded entrepreneurs can also pitch their ideas, share best practices, and celebrate their successes at Trajectory events held across the country. His three programs available are:

• Explore – Ideal for those taking their first steps into the commercial space industry, Explore is intended for those who have some knowledge of space or have an idea of ​​what other industries might be in space. increase.
• Leo – Applicants to the Leo program will have a proof of concept in place and are in the development stage. Knowledge of space is somewhat developed and applicants may already be working in the space field.
• Geo – Geo is designed for entrepreneurs looking to grow their business rapidly with some market traction.

Also, it is not only conventional space businesses that are encouraged to apply. Anyone working in engineering, manufacturing, or even related industries such as agriculture or other fields with a service or product that could potentially thrive in the space sector is encouraged to apply.

UK Space Agency CEO Dr Paul Bate launches the UK Space Agency Accelerator Program with Frontier Space Technologies Ltd co-founder Zaria Serfontein at the UK Space Agency’s offices in Westminster.Image courtesy of Matt Crocic

One of the successful space entrepreneurs following the 2021 pilot program is Zaria Serfontein, co-founder of Frontier Space Technologies. Zaria and her team participated in accelerator pilots to gain business know-how and devise a roadmap to develop a business that will advance innovative biomedical research in space.

Zaria says: The Accelerator not only provided us with the tools we needed to grow our business, but it also helped us build a valuable network of like-minded entrepreneurs and focus on our priorities to scale up sustainably. It was helpful.

Since joining the pilot, we have successfully won several grants, onboarded our first client, hired our first employee and have the potential to revolutionize the future of drug discovery. Developed innovative lab-in-a-box technology.

For us, the Accelerator has helped us step out of the tech landscape and put in place the core aspects that every business needs to be successful, such as building a holistic vision and goal setting. I recommend this accelerator to any entrepreneur looking to make those important connections and have the tools to bring their business to market. You won’t be disappointed! “

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the British Space Agency, said:

“Companies participating in the Pilot Accelerator Program in 2021 have raised a further £8.79m. We are now aiming higher and opening up space to industries and entrepreneurs from different backgrounds across the UK who never thought of space as a viable route to market. I would like to.”

For more information and to apply for the UK Space Agency Accelerator, please visit www.ukspaceaccelerator.co.uk.